FLEX: Building Better Writers (Junior)

In this video-based semester class, learners can expect to have fun while learning how to elevate their writing style through grammatical and stylistic devices. Each individual class will focus on a specific aspect of writing. Each assignment will include a checklist that builds over time. 

All classes use a pre-recorded instructor video of 15-20 minutes. Students should pause the video to complete all activities. At the end, students will have a longer activity to complete and submit for feedback. 

As an example, week 9 focuses on point-of-view. 

The assignment is: Your story must start with these words in the first couple lines: "I almost made the jump!" It's up to you to decide the scenario: Is this a BMX bike race? Someone doing parkour between rooftops? A toddler jumping over a mud puddle? You will write from the point of view of the jumper, so use "I." You must include an audience (i.e., one other person who is listening to or engaging in the story). To this end, you might have phrases like, "Mom stares at me, puzzled, and shakes her head."

Week 9 checklist: 
Two strong verbs
Two descriptive adjectives
Two powerful/interesting -ly adverbs
Adverb sentence opener
No "go/goes/went"
No "to be" verbs (is, are, was, were, being, been)
Who/which clause
Sentence opener using unless, until, if, since, when, whenever, wherever, although
Dialogue with correct punctuation
Alliteration

Assignments will rotate between descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive. Assignment examples are a letter to your future self, a movie review, a tale of something you would never do again, and capturing a moment in time. The lengths of assignments range from one paragraph to multiple paragraphs. 

Each submitted assignment will receive feedback from the instructor. 

Classes begin with a warm-up, followed by an interactive lesson. Students are encouraged to participate through sharing ideas, writing in class, and editing "bad" sentences written by the instructor. For example, the instructor might post a paragraph where all the sentences begin with "I" and ask the students what could be improved. 

Week 1: Clarity in writing. Make every word count. Do not begin every sentence with "I." Other sentence openers: Additionally, In addition to

Week 2: Using description in writing (strong, specific adjectives, adverbs, and verbs). Using transition and sequence words (First, Next, The following morning).

Week 3: Using descriptive details and strong adjectives/adverbs. Use a minimum of two adverbs and two adjectives.

Week 4: Construction/organization in writing.

Week 5: Construction/organization in writing.

Week 6: Must use who/which clause to extend a sentence and give additional information.

Week 7: who/which, quality adjectives, dependent clause

Week 8: Writing strong supporting sentences that include examples and additional information.

Week 9: Point of view

Week 10: Using dialogue correctly. Using verbs besides "said." Use alliteration.

Week 11: Correctly using verb tenses.

Week 12: Point of view

Week 13: Strong words, especially verbs. Avoiding repetition, especially of phrases like "I hate," using hyperbole. 

Week 14:  Strong words, especially verbs. Avoiding repetition. Using hyperbole. 

Week 15: Counter-arguments and rebuttals. 

Week 16: Slowing down a moment and practicing all mechanics and devices. 

This class differs from Building Better Writers because it moves at a slower pace, although students who have taken BBW could certainly benefit from it! 

Because this takes place in an asynchronous classroom, interaction between students and the instructor is encouraged in the following ways: 

1) Quizlet: used to reinforce parts of speech and basic grammar concepts
2) the weekly challenge (posted on Thursdays), which may be a writing prompt, a discussion question, a grammar-based challenge, or another creative activity 
3) occasional Nearpod activities such as editing a paragraph to find misspelled words 

The ideal student is a younger writer who either lacks confidence OR lacks a firm foundation in writing and who needs to understand HOW to write strong sentences. Enthusiastic and experienced writers who want to practice their skills are welcome as well!